Pop-up sprinklers



y 1962 w. s. KIMBRO ETAL 3,035,778

POP-UP SPRINKLERS Original Filed June 9, 1958 WILL/AM S K/MBRO EDWARD M. MC ELHE'N/E INl E N 7' ORJ HUEBNER 8 WORREL A TTO/PNEYS' United States Patent O" 3,035,778 POP-UP SPRINKLERS William S. Kimhro and Edward M. McElhenie, Fresno, Calif., assignors to Buckner Manufacturing Co., Fresno, Califi, a corporation of California Continuation of application Ser. No. 740,805, June 9, 1958. This application Mar. 13, 1961, Ser. No. 95,437 22 Claims. (Cl. 239-206) The present invention relates to an oscillatory or rotational fluid sprinkler which is movable upwardly and downwardly in respect to a reference surface in which the sprinkler is mounted and which is commonly known as a pop-up type sprinkler. This application is a continuation of our co-pending application Serial No. 740,805, filed June 9, 1958, and which is entitled Pop-Up Fluid Sprinklers, now abandoned.

The desirability and advantages of pop-up sprinklers are recognized. When such a sprinkler is not in use, it sets flush with the surface or slightly below the surface of the ground in which it is embedded to enable lawn mowing, to permit unrestricted use of the area for walking, playing, and the like, and so as not to detract from the appearance of the lawn. When in use, however, such a sprinkler is raised upwardly above the surface of the ground by water pressure to permit ejection of water onto the surrounding area in accordance with the predetermined irrigating pattern of the sprinkler. such pop-up sprinklers are non-rotatable but are designed continuously to eject water throughout 360 or various segments of a circle.

However, rotary pop-up sprinklers are also Well-knWn which distribute water over an area completely circumscribing the sprinkler. Such sprinklers are usually designed to eject a more confined stream of water over a greater trajectory than the known non-rotatable types. In certain installations, however, it is desirable to employ these rotary sprinklers for irrigating relatively large segments of a circle. For example, it is known to employ several elevationally fixed above ground, impact driven oscillating sprinklers for watering a lawn. Usually these are arranged to irrigate overlapping or contiguous segments of a lawn and thereby provide a substantially uniform coverage. Such sprinklers are also used along curbs, sidewalks, and the like.

The prior art pop-up sprinklers designed to irrigate only a segment of a circle have not been satisfactory in many respects. Although it has been known to provide a pop-up sprinkler rotatable through 360 degrees with a valve designed to distribute water only over predetermined segments of a circle through which the nozzle rotates, the movement of the sprinkler nozzle is not controllable as in an oscillating sprinkler. Accordingly, oscillating pop-up sprinklers have not been available which move with substantially uniform speed, which operate satisfactorily notwithstanding the presence of foreign particles in the water, which are easily and quickly adjustable as to the are or segment covered, which have a relatively long life, and which contain relatively few parts to maintain.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a superior oscillating pop-up fluid distributing device.

Another object is to facilitate adjustment of the are covered by an oscillating sprinkler.

Another object is to provide an oscillating sprinkler which travels at a substantially uniform rate of speed.

Another object is to provide an oscillating fluid sprinkler which operates satisfactorily notwithstanding the presence of minute particles of foreign substances in the water.

Another object is to provide a positively driven oscillating sprinkler.

Many

3,035,778 Patented May 22, 19-82 "ice Another object is to provide a sprinkler which is easily disassembled and assembled for repair, maintenance, replacement of parts, and the like.

Another object is to provide a sprinkler which is durable in construction, dependable in action, and which has a maximum life and a minimum of wearing parts.

Further objects are to attain the preceding objectives in a pop-up sprinkler.

These, together with other objects, will become more fully apparent upon reference to the following description and accompanying drawing.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal vertical section taken through a fluid sprinkler embodying the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical section taken on a plane at a position represented by line 22 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a horizontal transverse section taken on a plane at a position represented by line 33 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a horizontal transverse section taken on a plane at a position represented by line 44 of FIG. 1.

Referring more particularly to the drawing, a fluid sprinkler of the type provided by the present invention is best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and includes an elon gated generally cylindrical housing having an upper end portion 11 of a predetermined diameter and a lower end portion 12 smaller in diameter than the upper portion. The housing also has an axially extended lower female receptacle 14 having internal threads and providing a fluid inlet 15 adapted for screw-threaded connection to a source of fluid under pressure, not shown. The upper end portion of the housing provides an upwardly disposed opening 17, a radially outwardly extended flange 18, and a frusto-conical upwardly divergent bevel 19 in circumscri-bing relation to the upper opening. The housing is designed to be embedded in the ground so that the upper flange is substantially flush with the surface or slightly below the surface of the ground.

Further considering the construction of the housing 10, a lower annular ledge is provided internally between the upper and lower end portions 11 and 12 of the housing. Vertically spaced upper and lower shoulders 26 and 27 in the upper end portion 11 of the housing define an annular upper groove 28 therebetween spaced upwardly from the ledge. At this point it is to be noted that the upper shoulder includes a plurality of segments in circumferentially spaced relation so as to provide a plurality of notches 29 therebetween longitudinally extended into the groove.

A circular spindle bearing support plate provides an annular circumsoribing channel 36 and is releasably rested on the ledge 25 in the housing 10. An annular O-ring 37 of neoprene, or other suitable packing material, is fitted around the plate in the channel and is in fluid-tight engagement with both the plate and the housing to provide a fluid seal between the upper and lower end portions 11 and 12 of the housing. The plate and the lower end portion of the housing define a fluid chamber 40 into which the fluid inlet 15 admits water from the source, not shown, but discussed above. A cylindrical tubular spindle bearing 42 is integrally coaxially upwardly extended from the support plate.

An elongated fluid conducting tubular spindle '46 is concentrically rotatably and axially slidably jonrnaled in the spindle bearing 42 and provides upper and lower ends 47 and 48 respectively extended above and below the plate 35. A circular spindle gear 50 is integrally secured to the lower end 48 of the spindle within the chamber 40, and a washer 51 is fitted on the spindle between the bearing plate and the spindle gear. The spindle is longitudinally slidable between an upper fluid ejecting position, as shown in FIG. 1, and a lower retracted posi-- tion, as shown in FIG. 2. Preferably, the plate has a. downwardly disposed annular recess 52 adapted to receive the spindle gear when the spindle is slid upwardly in the bearing so that when the spindle gear engages the bottom side of the plate, the spindle is precluded from. further movement upwardly.

A sprinkler head 56 is screw-threadably mounted on v the upper end 47 of the spindle 46 and provides upwardly outwardly extended inner and outer nozzles 57 and 58.. A housing cover 59 provides a generally circular upper Wall 60 circumscribed by a frusto-conical rim, a center boss 61 downwardly extended from the wall centrally thereof and secured to a bar 62 on the sprinkler head by means :of screws 63. The cover also has an annular skirt 65 circumscribing the boss and the nozzles and providing a port 66 in registration with the nozzles. It will be evident that the open lower end 48 of the spindle 46 admits fluid under pressure from the chamber into the spindle whereupon it passes under pressure through the sprinkler head and outwardly from the nozzles through the port- The cover is adapted for movement between a retracted position with the rim of its wall 60 complementarily seated in the bevel 19 of the upper opening 17 of the housing whereupon the port is closed by the upper end portion of the housing, as illustrated in FIG. 2, and an upwardly extended fluid ejecting position, as illustrated in FIG. 1, with the port exposed above the flange 18 of the housing. The cover moves upwardly and downwardly with the spindle inasmuch as it is rigidly connected thereto. Elevational movement of the spindle and the cover is caused by the pressure of water in the chamber bearing upwardly against the effective area of the spindle gear 50, represent-ing the difference between the area of total exposed lower surface and the smaller upper surface of the gear. The upward component of the force of the water pressure exerted within sprinkler head 56 and the restriction to flow caused by nozzles 57 and 58 assist in lifting the spindle and maintaining it in an elevated position as long as water under pressure is admitted through fluid inlet 15.

An annular lock ring 70 circumscribes the spindle bearing 42 and provides a plurality of tongues 71 radially outwardly extended into the groove 28 and rotatably slidable therein between a releasing and inserting position in registration with the notches 29 and a locked position between the upper and lower shoulders 26 and 27. A plurality of screws 72 are screw-threaded downwardly through the lock ring and have lower ends engaging the upper surface of the bearing support plate 35. It will be evident that by tightening the screws, the bear ing support plate is dependably held downwardly against the ledge and in fluid-tight engagement with the housing 10. In this manner, the parts of the sprinkler are easily assembled and disassembled and yet when assembled, the support plate is in fluid sealing relationship with the housing so as to prevent leakage of fluid from the chamber 40 into the upper end portion 11 of the housing.

A plurality of support posts 76 are rigidly downwardly' extended from the support plate 35 in generally triangular relationship with the axis of the spindle 46 in the center of such a triangle formed by the posts. A cylindrical gear box 77 is connected to and borne by the posts within the chamber and is in circumferentially spaced relation to the housing, as indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2.. The gear box provides an input shaft 78 downwardly extended concentrically of the housing and an output drive shaft 79 upwardly extended in axially ofiset relation to the spindle :6, as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. The gear box is designed to effect gear reduction between the input shaft and the output shaft and although not shown, preferably includes a spur gear train having a gear reduction of 1700 to one, that 1700 revolutions of the input shaft is required to effect a single revolution of the output shaft. Inasmuch as such gear reduction mechanisms are well-known, no further description is provided. It is important to note, however, that the gear reduction box provides a fluid-tight housing for the gears or other reduction mechanism enclosed therewithin inasmuch as the box is submerged in fluid within the chamber 40 during operation of the sprinkler.

An elongated pin is rigidly downwardly extended from the plate 35 between a pair of posts 76. An upper elongated spindle driving gear 86 having gear teeth extended longitudinally of the housing in substantially parallel relation to the gear teeth of the spindle gear 50 is rigidly mounted on the pin and is in mesh with the spindle gear, as indicated in FIG. 1. A driven pinion 87 is secured to the lower end of the driving gear and is slightly diametrically smaller than the driving gear.

A circular driving wheel is concentrically secured to the output shaft 79 and includes a plurality of holes 96 in radially spaced relation to the output shaft. An eccentric coupling pin 97 is provided for connection to the wheel in any one of the holes 96.

A segment gear 98 of generally triangular configuration includes a hub 99 rotatably mounted on one of the posts 76 for oscillating movement about an axis offset from the axes of the output shaft 79 and the spindle 46 but in substantially parallel relationship therewith, said spindle gear axis being further in substantially diametrically opposed relationship, with respect to the housing 10, from the axis of the pin 85. vides teeth 100 concentric to the axis of oscillation of the gear and in mesh with the driven pinion 87. Further, the segment has an elongated radially disposed slot 101..

A crank provides an elongated armor pitman 106, an eyelet 107 integral with the arm and rotatably fitted on the pin 97, and a stud 108 integral with the arm at.

the opposite end thereof from the eyelet extended through the slot 101 in the segment gear 98. The stud is connected to the segment gear by a nut 109 screw-threaded on the stud. Preferably a washer 110 is interposed the segment gear and the nut 109. It will be evident that rotation of the driving wheel 95 causes oscillation of the segment gear 98 through the crank 105. Oscillatory movement of the segment gear is transmitted to the spindle gear 50 through the pinion 87 and the drive gear 86. The angular extent of oscillation of the segment gear is controlled by adjusting the connecting points of thecrank to the segment gear, by means of the slot 101 and the nut 109, and to the wheel by means of the concentric:

pin and the holes 96.

An impeller is connected to the input shaft 78 and provides a plurality of blades 116 radially outwardly extended in opposed relation to the inlet 15 of the hous ing 10. A motor block 118 is screw-threaded into the Operation The operation of the described embodiment of the subject invention is believed to be readily apparent and is briefly summarized at this point.

With the sprinkler embedded in the ground in a substantially vertical position, the cover 59 seats in the upper end portion 11 of the housing 10 when there is no water pressure applied to the inlet 15.

Assuming that the crank 105 has been connected in such a manner to the drive wheel 95 and to the segment gear 98 so as to provide the desired extent of angular movement of the segment gear, the sprinkler is ready for operation. Of course, any such adjustments are made before the parts are assembled into the housing 10. When water under pressure is admitted into the inlet 15, it

The segment gear pr0- passes upwardly through the bores 119 and strikes the blades 116 of the impeller 115 to rotate the input shaft 78. This very slowly rotates the output drive shaft 79 and thus the driving wheel 95. The spindle gear 50 and thus the spindle 46 are oscillated through the predetermined angle by the oscillation of the segment gear 98. Accordingly, the nozzles 57 and 58 are similarly oscillated.

As explained above, water pressure acting upon the effective difference of area of the lower surface of gear 50 exerts an upward force on the spindle 46. Further, water from the inlet 15 enters the chamber 40, passes upwardly through the spindle 46, and because of its restriction by the nozzles 57 and 58 forces the spindle and associated parts upwardly. This lifts the cover 59 upwardly to expose the port 66. Water is then ejected by the nozzles through the port over the area predetermined by oscillatory adjustment.

When the water pressure is relieved, the oscillatory movement of the sprinkler nozzles 57 and 58 ceases and the spindle 46 gravitationally slides downwardly in the spindle bearing 42 whereupon the cover 59 once again seats in the upper end portion 11 of the housing 10. It is to be noted that upward and downward slidable movement of the spindle is permitted by the longitudinally slidable engagement of the spindle gear 50 and the driving gear 86.

It is to be noted that the sprinkler mechanism within the chamber 40 is easily removed first by removing the cover 59 after unthreading the screws 63. Then by loosening the screws 72 and twisting the lock ring 70 until the tongues 71 register with the notches 29, the internal parts of the sprinkler can be taken :out of the housing by lifting upwardly on the sprinkler head 56. The device is of course reassembled by following a reverse procedure.

From the foregoing it will be evident that an oscillating sprinkler of the pop-up type has been provided which is readily adjustable as to the extent of angular movement traveled, which moves at a substantially uniform or steady speed, which distributes water, pops-up, and oscillates satisfactorily notwithstanding the presence of foreign matter in the water, and which is dependable in action and easy to maintain and repair. Further, the sprinkler has adequate means for protecting the internal moving parts thereof and is provided with dependable fluid seals where required. It has been found in practice that a sprinkler constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention has a long life and a minimum of wearing parts.

Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus.

Having described our invention, what we claim as new and dmire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In an oscillating pop-up sprinkler, an elongated housing providing a chamber and having an inlet to the chamber adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure, a support mounted in the housing, an elongated tubular fluid conducting spindle rotatably and axially slidably mounted in the support having a driven fluid inlet and extended into and communicating with the chamber and an opposite fluid outlet, an oscillating member mounted on the support in the chamber for oscillatory movement about an axis substantially parallel to the spindle, interengaging means on the driven end of the spindle and on the oscillating member slidable relative to each other longitudinally of the housing thereby to accommodate axial sliding movement of the spindle in the support, said means interconnecting the oscillating member and the spindle for oscillating the spindle incident to oscillatory movement of said oscillating member, and powered means mounted on the support within the chamber having driving connection to the oscillating member for oscillating said member about its axis.

2. In an oscillating sprinkler, an elongated housing providing a chamber having an inlet to the chamber adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure, a support mounted in the housing, an elongated tubular fluid conducting spindle rotatably and axially slidably mounted in the support having a driven fluid inlet end extended into and communicating with the chamber and an opposite fluid outlet, a shaft, means mounting the shaft on the support in the chamber and in axially offset relation to the spindle and for imparting rotation to the shaft, an oscillating member mounted on the support in the chamber for oscillatory movement about an axis substantially parallel to the spindle, interengaging means relatively slidable longitudinally of the spindle and interconnecting the oscillating member and the driven end of the spindle for oscillating the spindle incident to oscillatory movement of said oscillating member, and second linkage means interconnecting the shaft and the oscillating member for oscillating said member upon rotation of the shaft.

3. In an oscillatory fluid distributing device, an elongated housing providing a chamber having an end adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure, and an opposite end, a support plate mounted in the housing intermediate its ends, an elongated tubular fluid conducting spindle rotatably and axially slidably mounted in the support plate having a fluid inlet communicating with the chamber and an opposite fluid outlet adjacent to said opposite end of the housing, a segment gear mounted on the support plate for oscillation on an axis offset from the spindle, a spindle gear connected to the spindle, a spindle driving gear in mesh with the spindle gear and rotatably borne by the support plate, the spindle gear and the driving gear being axially slidably engaged while remaining in continuous mesh, means providing geared interconnection of the segment gear and the spindle driving gear for oscillating the spindle incident to oscillation of the segment gear, powered means borne by the support plate having a rotary output shaft, a driving member rigidly secured to the shaft for rotation therewith, and rigid linkage means pivotally interconnecting the segment gear and the drive member in radially spaced relation to the shaft for oscillating the segment gear upon rotation of the output shaft.

4. In an oscillatory fluid sprinkler, an elongated upstanding housing having an upper open end and a lower fluid inlet concentric to the housing and adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure, a support plate mounted transversely in the housing, means circumscribing the plate in annular fluid-tight relation therewith and with the housing to define a fluid chamber therebelow in communication with said fluid inlet, an elongated fluid conducting tubular spindle 'rotatably journaled in the plate having an upper end above the plate and a lower fluid inlet end below the plate, a fluid discharge nozzle connected to the upper end of the spindle and directed upwardly out of the upper end of the housing, a drive shaft mounted by the plate in the chamber eccentrically of the spindle, a driving wheel concentrically secured to the drive shaft for unitary rotation therewith, an elongated spindle driving gear rotatably supported by the plate within the chamber in axially offset relation to the spindle and to the shaft, a driven pinion coaxially secured to the driving gear, a spindle gear concentrically secured to the lower end of the spindle in mesh with the spindle driving gear, a segment gear having a hub rotatably borne by the plate in the chamber for oscillatory movement about an upstanding axis substantially diametrically related to the axis of the pinion on the opposite side of the spindle from said pinion and having gear teeth in mesh with the pinion for imparting oscillatory movement thereto, a crank having opposite ends pivotally connected to the segment gear and to the wheel in radially spaced relation to the output shaft for oscillating the segment gear incident to rotation of the shaft, and powered means borne by the plate and connected to the drive shaft for imparting rotation thereto.

5. in an oscillatory pop-up fluid sprinkler, an clongated upstanding cylindrical housing having an upper open end and a lower fluid inlet concentric to the housing and adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure, a spindle bearing support plate mounted transversely of the housing, a seal circumscribing the plate in annular fluid-tight relation therewith and with the housing to define a fluid chamber therebelow in communication with said fluid inlet, a cylindrical tubular bearing integrally axially upwardly extended from the plate, an elongated fluid conducting tubular spindle rotatably and axially slidably journaled in the bearing having an upper end above the plate and a lower fluid inlet end below the plate, a fluid discharge nozzle connected to the upper end of the spindle and directed upwardly out of the upper end of the housing, a plurality of posts borne by and downwmdl-y extended from the plate, a gear reduction mounted on the posts including an input shaft concentric to the housing adapted to rotate at a predetermined speed and an output shaft eccentrically of the spindle adapted to rotate at a speed less than that of the input shaft, a driving wheel concentrically secured to the output shaft for unitary rotation therewith, an elongated spindle driving gear rotatably supported by the plate within the chamber in axially offset relation to the spindle and to the output shaft, a driven pinion coaxially secured to the driving gear, a spindle gear concentrically secured to the lower end of the spindle in mesh and in longitudinal sliding engagement with the spindle driving gear, a generally triangular segment gear having an apex hub rotatably mounted on one of the posts for oscillatory movement about an upstanding axis substantially diametrically related to the axis of the pinion on the opposite side of the spindle from said pinion, a crank having opposite ends adjustably pivotally connected to the segment gear and to the wheel in radial relation to the output shaft for oscillating the segment gear incident to rotation of the input shaft, an impeller concentrically mounted on the input shaft, and a motor block fitted in said fluid inlet having a pair of generally diametrically related fluid bores oppositely upwardly extended in acute angular relation with a vertical plane whereby fluid passing upwardly under pressure through the bores strikes said impeller to impart rotation thereto and tosaid input shaft whereby the spindle is oscillated by the segment gear, the fluid entering said bores filling the chamber and applying pressure to the spindle gear to raise the spindle in said bearing, said fluid further entering the inlet end of the spindle and passing upwardly and out of said nozzle.

6. The sprinkler of claim 5 including a substantially circular cover having a central boss secured to the nozzle and an annular skirt circumscribing the boss and fitted within the open upper end of the housing for elevational movement between a lower position covering the upper open end of the housing and an upper position upwardly spaced from said lower position, the skirt providing a port therein registering with the nozzle, the port being concealed within the housing when the cover is in said lower position and being exposed when in said upper position.

7. The sprinkler of claim 5 wherein said plate has an annular 0119311181, and said seal is an Q-ing of resiliently compressible material fitted in the channel in fluid-tight engagement with the plate and the housing.

8. The sprinkler of claim 5 wherein the housing has an internal annular ledge on which the bearing plate is es ed, wherein the housing also has annular vertically aced upper and lower shoulders radially inwardly exnded above the plate providing an annular groove therebetween, the upper shoulder having a plurality of segments providing a plurality of peripherally spaced notches 9. in a fluid distributing device, an elongated housing providing a chamber having an end adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure, and an opposite end; a support plate mounted in the housing intermediate its ends and providing a bearing coaxial with the housing; an elongated tubular fluid conducting spindle rotatably and axially slidably mounted in the bearing having a fluid inlet communicating with the chamber and an opposite fluid outlet adjacent to said opposite end of the housing; an elongated spindle driving gear having an axis of rotation; means mounting the spindle driving gear in the housing for rotation about its axis of rotation and in axially oliset relation to the bearing; a spindle gear rigidly connected to the spindle and being in longitudinally slidably meshing engagement with the spindle driving gear to accommodate longitudinal sliding movement of the spindle in the bearing relative to the spindle driving gear; and means mounted in the housing having driving connection to the spindle driving gear for imparting turning movement to the spindle driving gear about its axis of rotation.

10. In a fluid distributing device, a housing providing a chamber and being adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure; an elongated tubular fluid conducting spindle; means rotatably and axially slidably mounting the spindle in the housing in fluid communication with the chamber and guiding the spindle in predetermined attitude with respect to the housing during axially slidable movement thereby; a spindle driving gear; means mounting the spindle driving gear in the housing for rotation about an axis in axially offset substantially parallel relation to the spindle; a spindle gear rigidly connected to the spindle and in longitudinally Slidably meshing engagement with the spindle driving gear to accommodate longitudinally sliding movement of the spindle in the bearing relative to the spindle driving gear; and means mounted in the housing having driving connection to the spindle driving gear for imparting turning movement thereto.

11. In an oscillatory fluid sprinkler, an elongated upstanding housing having an upper open end and a lower fluid inlet adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure, a support plate mounted transversely in fluid-tight relation with the housing to define a fluid chamber therebelow in communication with said fluid inlet, an elongated fluid conducting tubular spindle rotatably journal-ed in the plate for axially slidable movement having an upper end above the plate and a lower fluid inlet end below the plate, a fluid discharge nozzle connected to the upper end of the spindle and directed upwe rdly out of the upper end of the housing, a drive shaft supported by plate in the chamber eccentrically of the spindle, a driving wheel concentrically secured to the drive shaft for unitary rotation therewith, an elongated spindle driving gear rotatably supported by the plate within the chamber in axially otfset relation to the spindle and to the shaft, a driven pinion coaxially secured to the riving gear, a spindle gear concentrically secured to the lower end of the spindle in mesh with the spindle driving gear, the spindle gear and the driving gear being axially slidable with respect to each other while remaining in continuous mesh, a segment gear having a hub rotatably borne by the plate in the chamber for oscillatory movement about an upstanding axis substantially diametrically related to the axis of the pinion on the opposite side of the spindle from said pinion and having gear teeth in mesh with the pinion for imparting oscillatory movement thereto, a crank having opposite ends pivotally connected to the segment gear and to the wheel in radially spaced relation to the drive shaft for oscillating the segment gear incident to rotation of the shaft, and powered means borne by the plate and connected to the drive shaft for imparting rotation thereto.

12. In an oscillatory fluid sprinkler, an elongated upstanding housing having an upper open end and a lower fluid inlet adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure, a support plate mounted transversely in fluid-tight relation with the housing to define a fluid chamber therebelow in communication with said fluid inlet, an elongated fluid conducting tubular spindle rotatably journaled in the plate for axially slidable movement and having an upper end above the plate and a lower fluid inlet end below the plate, a fluid discharge nozzle connected to the upper end of the spindle and directed upwardly out of the upper end of the housing, a drive shaft supported by the plate in the chamber eccentrically of the spindle, an elongated spindle driving gear rotatably supported by the plate within the chamber in axially oflset relation to the spindle and to the shaft, a driven pinion coaxially secured to the driving gear, a spindle gear concentrically secured to the lower end of the spindle in mesh with the spindle driving gear, the spindle gear being axially slidably engaged with the driving gear while maintaining continuous mesh therewith, a segment gear having a hub rotatably borne by the plate in the chamber for oscillatory movement about an upstanding axis and having gear teeth in mesh with the pinion for imparting oscil latory movement thereto, linkage means interconnecting the drive shaft and the segment gear for imparting oscillatory movement to the segment gear incident to rotation of the drive shaft, and powered means borne by the plate and connected to the drive shaft for imparting rotation thereto.

13. The sprinkler of claim 16 wherein said linkage means is connected to the segment gear for adjustable movement radially inwardly and outwardly of the axis of oscillatory movement of the segment gear.

14. In an oscillatory fluid sprinkler, a housing providing a chamber having a fluid inlet, a fluid conducting spindle, means rotatably mounting the spindle in the housing in fluid communication with the chamber and for reciprocal axial movement, a drive shaft mounted in the housing eccentrically of the spindle, a driving wheel concentrically secured to the drive shaft for unitary rotation therewith, an elongated spindle driving gear rotatably mounted in the housing in axially offset relation to the spindle and to the shaft, a driven pinion coaxially secured to the driving gear, a spindle gear concentrically secured to the lower end of the spindle in mesh with the spindle driving gear, the spindle gear being axially slidable with respect to the driving gear, a segment gear having a hub rotatably mounted in the housing for oscillatory movement about an upstanding axis substantially diametrically related to the axis of the pinion on the opposite side of the spindle from said pinion and having gear teeth in mesh with the pinion for imparting oscillatory movement thereto, a crank having opposite ends pivotally connected to the segment gear and to the wheel in radially spaced relation to the output shaft for oscillating the segment gear incident to rotation of the shaft, and powered means mounted in the housing and connected to the drive shaft for imparting rotation thereto.

15. In a fluid sprinkler, an elongated housing having an upper end and a lower fluid inlet adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure, the housing providing an annular ledge transversely thereof between the upper and lower ends and a pair of longitudinally spaced radially inwardly extended annular shoulders defining a groove therebetween in longitudinally adjacent spaced relation to the ledge between the ledge and the upper end of the housing, the upper shoulder including a plurality of segments in spaced relation to each other and defining notches therebetween leading into the groove, a support plate rested on the ledge of the housing, a seal circumscribing the plate in circumferentially fluid-tight engagement with the plate and the housing to define a chamber therebelow communicating with the inlet to the housing, a locking ring disposed in the plane of the groove providing a plurality of tongues radially outwardly extended into the groove between the shoulders and slidable therein incident to rotation of the ring for registration with the notches, a plurality of screws longitudinally screwthreaded through the locking ring and engaging the plate for releasably adjustably pressing the plate against the ledge, and an elongated fluid conducting tubular member mounted in the plate having a lower inlet end communicating with the chamber and an upper fluid discharge end wherein the fluid conducting member is mounted for longitudinal slidable movement between a position retracted within the upper end of the housing and a fluid discharging position outwardly extended from the upper end of the housing, the fluid in the chamber serving to slide the fluid conducting member into said fluid discharging position incident to application of fluid pressure against the lower end of the fluid conducting member, and including means secured to the fluid conducting member for engagement with the support plate to limit longitudinal slidable movement of the conducting member toward said discharging position.

16. In a fluid sprinkler, an elongated housing having an upper end and a lower fluid inlet adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure, the housing providing an annular ledge transversely thereof between the upper and lower ends and a pair of longitudinally spaced radially inwardly extended annular shoulders defining a groove therebetween in longitudinally adjacent spaced relation to the ledge between the ledge and the upper end of the housing, the upper shoulder including a plurality of segments in spaced relation to each other and defining notches therebetween leading into the groove, a support plate rested on the ledge of the housing, a seal circumscribing the plate in circumferentially fluid-tight engagement with the plate and the housing to define a chamber therebelow communicating with the inlet to the housing, a locking ring disposed in the plane of the groove providing a plurality of tongues radially outwardly extended into the groove between the shoulders and slidable therein incident to rotation of the ring for registration with the notches, a plurality of screws longitudinally screw threaded through the locking ring and engaging the plate for releasably adjustably pressing the plate against the ledge, and an elongated fluid conducting tubular member mounted in the plate having a lower inlet end communicating with the chamber and an upper fluid discharge end, wherein the fluid conducting member is a spindle rotatably mounted in the plate, wherein a spindle gear is rigidly connected to the lower end of the spindle within the chamber, wherein a spindle driving gear is rotatably supported on the plate within the chamber in axially offset relation to the fluid conducting member and in mesh with said spindle gear, and wherein means is mounted in the housing and has driving connections to the spindle drive gear for imparting movement thereto about the axis of the driving gear thereby to impart movement to the spindle about its axis.

17. In a fluid sprinkler, a tubular housing having an inlet end adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure and an outlet end, a support plate disposed transversely of the housing intermediate the ends thereof insertable and removable from the outlet end of the housing, means releasably mounting the plate in the housing with said plate and housing defining a chamber communicating with the inlet end of the housing, a fluid conducting tubular member having an inlet end communieating with the chamber and a discharge end disposed at the outlet end of the housing mounted in the plate for rotational and longitudinally slidable movement between a position with its discharge end retracted within the 1 1 outlet end of the housing and a'fluid discharging position with the discharge end relatively outwardly spaced from its retracted position, the fluid in the chamber serving to slide the tubular member into said fluid discharging position incident to application of fluid pressure against the inlet end of the tubular member, fluid driven means borne by the plate within said chamber in fixed spaced relation to the plate and insertable and removable from the housing with the plate, and a telescopic drive linkage interconnecting the fluid driven means and the tubular member accommodating slidable movement of the tubular member between retracted and discharging positions while the plate and driven means are retained in fiixed position in the housing.

18. In a fluid sprinkler, an elongated tubular housing having an inlet end adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure and an outlet end, a support plate disposed transversely of the housing intermediate the ends thereof insertable and removable from the outlet end of the housing, the plate and the housing defining a chamber communicating with the inlet end of the housing, a seal interconnecting the plate and the housing in releasable substantially fluid tight relation, an elongated fluid conducting tubular member having an inlet end communicating with the chamber and a discharge end disposed at the outlet end of the housing mounted in the plate for longitudinally slidable movement therein between a position with the discharge end retracted within the outlet end of the housing and a fluid discharging position relatively outwardly from the retracted position, the fluid in the chamber serving to slide the tubular member into said fluid discharging position incident to application of fluid pressure against the inlet end of the tubular member, fluid driven means mounted on the plate said chamber in fixed relation to the plate and insertable and removable from the housing with the plate, an elongated drive gear connected to the driven means and extended therefrom in substantially parallel relation to the tubular member, and a spindle gear mounted on the inlet end of the tubular member in driven engagement with the drive gear and for slidable movement longitudinally thereof accommodating slidable movement of the tubular member between retracted and discharging positions while the plate audrdiiven means are retained in fixed position in the housing, said spindle gear being engageable with the support plate to limit longitudinally slidable movement of the tubular member in the direction of its discharging position.

19. In a fluid sprinkler, an elongated tubular housing having an inlet end adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure and an outlet end, a support plate disposed transversely of the housing intermediate the ends thereof insertable and removable from the outlet end of the housing, the plate and the housing defining a chamber communicating with the inlet end of the housing, a compressible fluid seal between the plate and the housing, means releasably interconnecting the plate and the housing, an elongated fluid conducting tubular member having an inlet end communicating with the chamher and a discharge end disposed at the outlet end of the housing mounted in the plate for longitudinally slidable movement therein between a position with the discharge end retracted within the outlet end of the housing and a fluid discharging position relatively outwardly thereof in the direction of the outlet end of the housing, the fluid in the chamber serving to slide the tubular member into said fluid discharging position incident to application of fluid pressure against the inlet end of the tubular member, fluid driven means mounted on the plate within said chamber in fixed relation to the plate and insertable and removable from the housing with the plate, an elongated drive gear connected to the driven means and extended therefrom in substantially parallel relation to the tubular member, and a spindle gear mounted on the inlet end of the tubular member in driven engagement with the drive gear and for slidable movement longitudinally thereof accommodating slidable movement of the tubular member between retracted and discharging positions While the plate and driven means are retained in fixed position in the housing, said spindle gear being engageable with the support plate to limit longitudinally slidable movement of the tubular member toward the outlet end of the housing.

20. In a fluid sprinkler, an elongated tubular housing having an inlet end adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure and an outlet end, the housing providing an annular ledge transversely thereof between the upper and lower ends and a pair of longitudinally spaced radially inwardly extended annular shoulders defining a groove therebetween in longitudinally adjacent spaced relation to the ledge between the ledge and the upper end of the housing, the upper shoulder including a plurality of segments in spaced relation to each other and defining notches therebetween leading into the groove, 21 support plate positioned on the ledge of the housing disposed transversely of the housing insertable and removable from the outlet end of the housing, the plate and the housing defining a chamber communicating with the inlet end of the housing, a seal interconnecting the plate and the housing in releasable substantially fluid tight relation, a locking ring disposed in the plane of the groove providing a plurality of tongues radially outwardly extended into the groove between the shoulders and slidable therein incident to rotation of the ring for registration with the notches, a plurality of screws longitudinally screw-threaded through the locking ring and engaging the plate for releasably adjustably pressing the plate against the ledge, an elongated fluid conducting tubular member having an inlet end communicating with the chamber and a discharge end disposed at the outlet end of the housing mounted in the plate for rotational and longitudinally slidable movement therein between a position with the discharge end retracted within the outlet end of the housing and a fluid discharging position with the discharge end outwardly extended from the outlet end of the housing, the fluid in the chamber serving to slide the tubular member into said fluid discharging position incident to application of fluid pressure against the inlet end of the tubular member, water motivated driving means mounted on the support plate in fixed space relation thereto within the chamber having driving connection to the tubular member whereby the tubular member is rotated relative to the plate, and means on the tubular member engagea'ble with the support plate to limit longitudinally slidable movement of the tubular member toward the outlet end of the housing.

21. In a fluid sprinkler, an elongated tubular housing having an inlet end adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure and an outlet end, the housing providing an inwardly disposed ledge intermediate the inlet and outlet ends, a support plate positioned against the ledge of the housing, the plate and the housing defining a chamber communicating with the inlet end of the housing, a seal circumscribing the plate in substantially fluid tight engagement with the plate and the housing, means releasably connected to the housing releasably holding the plate against the ledge, an elongated fluid conducting tubular member having an inlet end communicating with the chamber and a discharge end disposed at the outlet end of the housing mounted in the plate for longitudinally slidable movement therein between a position with the discharge end retracted Within the outlet end of the housing and a fluid discharging position with the discharge end outwardly extended from the outlet end of the housing, the fluid in the chamber serving to slide the tubular member into said fluid discharging position incident to application of fluid pressure against the inlet end of the tubular member, fluid driven means mounted on the plate within said chamber in fixed relation to the plate and insertable and removable from the housing with the plate, an elongated drive gear connected to the driven means and extended therefrom in substantially parallel relation to the tubular member, and a spindle gear mounted on the inlet end of the tubular member in driven engagement with the drive gear and for slidable movement longitudinally thereof accommodating slidable movement of the tubular member between retracted and discharging positions while the plate and driven means are retained in fixed position in the housing, said spindle gear being engageable with the support plate to limit longitudinally slidable movement of the tubular member toward the outlet end of the housing.

22. In a fluid sprinkler, an elongated housing having an upper end and a lower fluid inlet adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure, the housing providing an annular ledge transversely thereof between the upper and inlet ends of the housing, a support plate insertable and removable from the upper end of the housing rested on the ledge of the housing and with the housing defining a chamber therebelow communicating with the inlet, a locking ring releasably mounted in predetermined position transversely of the housing above the support plate, a plurality of screws longitudinally screwthreaded through the locking ring and engaging the plate for releasably adjustably pressing the plate against the ledge, a fluid conducting tubular member having an inlet communicating with the chamber and a discharge end disposed at the outlet end of the housing mounted in the plate for rotational and longitudinally slidable movement between elevationall spaced discharge and retracted positions, fluid pressure in the chamber serving to slide the tubular member from retracted to discharge position, and fluid driven means borne by the plate within said chamber having driving connection with the tubular member and being insertable and removable from the housing with the plate.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Burdick Sept. 23, 1952 

